Everything you need to know before buying gold jewellery in India - from understanding making charges to verifying purity and choosing the right savings scheme.
Making charges are the fees jewellers charge for crafting jewellery from raw gold. This is where profit margins vary significantly between jewellers - gold rates are largely similar across the market, but making charges can differ by ₹100-400 per gram.
Most common method. Charged as ₹X per gram of gold weight. Example: ₹300/gram on a 20g necklace = ₹6,000 making charges.
Charged as X% of gold value. Example: 15% on ₹1,00,000 gold value = ₹15,000 making charges. Common in traditional markets.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask for making charges BEFORE browsing designs. Some jewellers quote lower per-gram charges but add "wastage" (2-15%) separately. Use our wastage calculator to estimate true costs.
Since June 2021, BIS hallmarking with HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) is mandatory for all gold jewellery sold in India. This 6-digit alphanumeric code can be verified online at bis.gov.in.
| Mark | Karats | Purity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Coins, bars (too soft for jewellery) |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Most Indian jewellery (traditional) |
| 750 | 18K | 75% | Diamond jewellery, modern designs |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Western-style, everyday wear |
Want to verify your gold hallmark?
Learn how to check HUID online and spot fake hallmarks.
Most branded jewellers offer monthly savings schemes to help customers plan for major purchases like wedding jewellery. These schemes typically provide bonus benefits and protection against gold price increases.
💡 Tip: Check if your credit card offers reward points on jewellery purchases. Some premium cards offer 2-5x points, effectively giving you 1-2% back.
Understanding exchange policies is crucial - it affects the long-term value of your purchase. Most branded jewellers offer better exchange terms than local shops.
Exchange jewellery from the same jeweller. Usually get 100% gold value (no deductions). Best option for upgrades.
Exchange jewellery from other jewellers. Typically 2-10% deduction for purity testing and melting.
Compare making charges and find the best jeweller for your needs.